Climate Change in Ukraine and its Consequences

Abstract The main features of climate change in Ukraine are described. It was shown that the rate of air temperature increase in Ukraine exceeds the global average. Since the beginning of meteorological observations in the late 19th century, the mean air temperature in Ukraine has increased by more than 3 °C. This change corresponds to a shift of the country’s climate zone approximately 500 km to the south. The increase in temperature is observed throughout the year. It is noteworthy that since 1991, the number of hot days with temperatures exceeding 30 °C has increased three to five times. Meanwhile, the amount of precipitation has not changed significantly. Under such conditions, the climate has become more arid than before. These changes have had wide-scale consequences, impacting river and lake water regimes, the state of flora and fauna, agriculture, etc.